Protecting your home from termites

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December 3, 2011 — Many install chemical trenches around their home to prevent termites. Mike McGrath discusses how long these tunnels remain toxic and safer ways to protect your home. Plus: The dangers of moving firewood with Leigh Greenwood from The Nature Conservancy, Forest Health Program. And your fabulous phone calls.

My wife and I want to plant fruit trees, grape vines and a vegetable garden. But our yard is currently grass that’s been treated with chemicals for several years. Can we just remove the grass and plant? Or should we replace some of the soil? We want to place the vegetable garden near the foundation on one side of our home, but a friend warned that this might not be a good idea, as that soil was treated for termites before the house went in six years ago. Do you know how far this ‘trench of death’ extends from the foundation? We would like to plant as close to the house as possible. Get the answer »